One thing that I think works in 'Casablanca' and which I've lectured a lot about - in terms of what I've been trying to achieve as a designer - is the film's creation of its own form of reality.

What I felt at that time - we're talking about '61 - was that I couldn't remember seeing a film that reflected the age we were living in.

With Kubrick and most film directors, they are in complete control, but one can influence them.

A studio allows me more freedom. You can create your own sort of reality which is actually more exciting than shooting on location. You can conjure up a complete atmosphere of escapism for the public.

My house is not James Bondish at all. Sorry.

The cinema is there to heighten the imagination; I have always tried to make sure it does so.

I always wanted to design for films.